Disney closes Movies Online service

The Walt Disney Co. is to close its Internet movie service, Disney Movies Online, suggesting the the site did not have the flexibility to keep up with user demands.

The company told users via email and a banner on the site’s homepage that the service would be closed as of December 31st.

Site users were able buy and rent movies from the Disney library, including films made by its subsidiary Pixar. It also allowed people who purchased physical discs to stream the movies from the website.

The site allowed visitors to buy and rent movies from the Disney library, including films made by its subsidiary Pixar. It also allowed people who purchased physical discs to stream the movies from the website. However, the site did not attract many customers and had limited capabilities. Users couldn’t download their digital movies for offline playback, there was no support for connected devices such as game consoles, and it only offered movies for streaming on Web browsers.

A notice on the site advised that people who had already redeemed disc purchases could continue to stream the movies on the site through the end of the year. People who bought movies on the site previously are being offered refunds.

“The digital environment is rapidly evolving and Disney Movies Online does not have the flexibility that many users today demand,”said the company. “We made a business decision to close the service until we are able to provide the greatest value and experience to our customers.”

Disney stands alone among the major Hollywood studios in choosing not to take part in digital content ecosystem UltraViolet, preferring to develop its own KeyChest technology.